'Zootopia 2' and 'Wicked: For Good' Are Dominating the Thanksgiving Box Office – But Can They Keep the Magic Alive Amidst Tough Comparisons?
Imagine a holiday season where families gather not just for turkey and pie, but for blockbuster hits that spark joy and adventure on the big screen. This Thanksgiving, the box office is buzzing with excitement, thanks to Disney's 'Zootopia 2' and Universal's 'Wicked: For Good,' which are setting the stage for what could be another record-breaking weekend. But here's where it gets intriguing: with last year's epic performances still fresh in our minds, are these new releases up to the challenge, or will they fade into the shadows of holiday expectations?
Let's dive into the details. 'Zootopia 2' picks up right where the original left off, following the dynamic duo of detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they chase down a cunning reptile causing chaos in the vibrant, mammal-filled city of Zootopia. It's a tale of mystery, friendship, and urban upheaval that's perfect for all ages. Disney's latest animated gem raked in an impressive $10.2 million from Tuesday previews alone – that's the second-best opening for any Disney Animation Studios film, trailing only last year's 'Moana 2,' which brought in $13.8 million. To put this in perspective, these previews are like a sneak peek before the full show, where fans pay extra for early access, giving studios a hint of potential success. And for animated movies overall, 'Zootopia 2's' performance ranks eighth-highest in history, a testament to the enduring appeal of clever storytelling and lovable characters.
Industry experts are predicting that 'Zootopia 2' could earn between $135 million and $150 million over the five-day Thanksgiving period – that's from Wednesday through Sunday, a crucial stretch when families flock to theaters for post-feast entertainment. While that's a strong showing, it's notably lower than the $225.4 million 'Moana 2' grossed last year during the same timeframe. For beginners in box office talk, think of these numbers as a measure of how well a movie captures the holiday spirit; last year's boom was fueled by a mix of nostalgia and fresh appeal, but this season's ticket sales have been sluggish overall, making any healthy haul a win for theaters struggling to fill seats.
Now, don't get us started on 'Wicked: For Good' – this Universal release is a musical powerhouse that's already making waves. It earned a staggering $147 million in its debut last week, and analysts anticipate another $80 million to $100 million over the Thanksgiving frame. That's potentially even more than last year's 'Wicked,' which pulled in $118 million during this period after a $112.5 million opening weekend. For those unfamiliar, 'Wicked' is based on the beloved Broadway show, reimagining the story of the Wicked Witch of the West with songs, magic, and a deeper look at friendship and prejudice – it's like a fresh twist on 'The Wizard of Oz' that has fans singing its praises.
Paul Dergarabedian, the head of marketplace trends at Comscore, summed it up perfectly: 'The Thanksgiving holiday frame is one of the most important moviegoing periods of the year and is off to a running start with the overperforming "Wicked: For Good" powering an impressive five days of box office revenue for movie theaters in the $300 million range.' He also highlighted 'Zootopia 2's' advantages, like its strategic release date, strong brand loyalty from the first film, and family-friendly PG rating, which often boosts attendance by appealing to parents looking for safe, enjoyable outings.
But here's the part most people miss – this year's Thanksgiving is up against some seriously high benchmarks. In 2024, the holiday saw a historic $424.9 million in domestic five-day earnings, driven by heavy hitters like 'Moana 2,' 'Wicked,' and 'Gladiator II.' That's a far cry from the previous record of $315.6 million set in 2018. Dergarabedian notes that while smashing that 2024 mark is unlikely, this year should still deliver a robust performance, likely landing in the top five historically.
And this is where controversy creeps in: Is the box office truly 'struggling,' or is this just a seasonal dip that will recover? Some argue that with tentpole releases like these, theaters are far from doomed, pointing to how franchises like Disney's animated series continue to draw crowds despite streaming options. Others might counter that the rise of home entertainment and high ticket prices are slowly eroding traditional moviegoing habits – what do you think? Could these films prove the naysayers wrong, or are we witnessing the slow decline of the theatrical experience?
As a final note, Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal (which includes Universal Pictures), also owns CNBC, and Versant is slated to become the new parent company following Comcast's planned spinoff. This adds an interesting layer to the conversation about media ownership and how it influences the stories we see on screen.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe 'Zootopia 2' and 'Wicked: For Good' will ignite a box office renaissance, or are last year's records untouchable? Share your opinions in the comments – let's debate whether these films are holiday heroes or just holding steady in a changing landscape!
